Early Reformers and Humanists: the legacy of the Lollards and impact on religious belief and practice; Humanism in England as represented by Erasmus, More and Colet
Before the Reformation, two groups challenged the Catholic Church in England. The Lollards questioned core Church teachings. Humanist scholars like Erasmus and Thomas More pushed for reform through education and reason.
Real World
Erasmus's 1509 satirical work In Praise of Folly mocked corrupt bishops and ignorant priests and was dedicated to Thomas More — a text circulating in England's universities that normalised criticising the Church from within Catholic intellectual circles.
Exam Focus
Distinguish Lollards (popular, doctrinal dissent) from Humanists (educated, reformist but Catholic) — conflating the two is a common error that loses marks.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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